Once you have made the major decision to have cosmetic surgery, there is a bit of preparation that needs to be done. Regardless of the procedure you plan to undergo, preparing for plastic surgery can seem overwhelming, even a little scary, but it doesn’t have to be! There are several general steps you can take to prepare for your cosmetic surgery procedure, and for your post-op recovery.

Get Plenty of Rest – Before and After. Sleep is critical before and after your cosmetic surgery. Getting enough sleep helps to amp up your body’s defenses and better prepares you for your procedure. Post-surgery rest also speeds up the recovery process.

Load Up on Nutrients. The vitamins and minerals in healthy, nutrient-dense foods give your body the elements it needs to heal and recover after your procedure, and some have added benefits specific to cosmetic surgery. Nutrients like bromelain (found in pineapple) can help with swelling, inflammation, and pain after surgery. Vitamin C can help fortify your immune system (which prevents infections) and helps to promote wound healing.

Discuss Medications with Your Doctor. Some prescription medications, as well as ibuprofen, acetaminophen and aspirin can interfere with your surgery. It’s important to talk to your surgeon about all your current medications. Most surgeons will also recommend that you quit taking those over-the-counter pain relievers two weeks prior to your procedure.

Quit Smoking and Avoid Alcohol. Smoking disrupts your body’s ability to health quickly, and it seriously constricts blood and oxygen flow to your body’s healthy cells. Alcohol can increase your risk for infection, depress your immune system, and can increase bleeding.

Preparing for cosmetic surgery can vary from patient to patient depending on the type of procedure and each person’s individual needs. During a surgery consultation in Gainesville, Dr. Allison can give you more information on the subject. Contact David W. Allison, MD today at 703-754-8228 or website for answers to your pre- and post-op questions, and to learn more about the specific steps you should take to prepare for your cosmetic surgery.